Concordia Highlights December 22, 2019

, 2019

MINISTRY STAFF

Church Office…………..828-464-3324 School Office……………828-464-3011 Kyle McClure Minister of Music 828-302-1236 DCE Chris L. Henze Youth Minister 828-446-9639 David Beringer CCDS Principal 828-464-3011 Bill Unverfehrt UCHS Principal 828-855-2995 Betsy Murray Assistant Principal 828-464-3011 Leslie Brown Business Admin. 828-234-0372 Susan Harman Admin. Assistant 828-464-3324 Belinda Bost Children’s Ministry 828-464-3324 John Holland Praise Service Music 828-446-9930 Phil Heath Praise Service Leader 828-464-3324

Web Page: www.concordianc.org/church

Sunday Worship: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 AM

Concordia Lutheran Church and Christian Day School

216 5th Avenue SE Conover, NC 28613

Members and guests, please write your name in the Welcome to Worship folders at the end of the pews so we can more faithfully serve you and get to know you by name.

Kids in Worship A Nursery for ages 6 weeks to 4 years is available in the Church Nursery and PK-4 Room at the school. The nursery is available during all services. Children’s Bulletins are available as well as crayons and colored pencils and can be found at the welcome centers. An usher can give directions to the nursery or give children's bulletins.

Advent 4, December 22 READ: Isaiah 7:10-17 (Pew Bible p. 727) Psalm 24 (Pew Bible p. 582) Romans 1:1-7 (Pew Bible p. 1194) Matthew 1:18-25 (Pew Bible p. 1026)

First Sunday after Christmas, December 29 READ: Isaiah 63:7-14 (Pew Bible p. 791) Psalm 111 (Pew Bible p. 646) Galatians 4:4-7 (Pew Bible p. 1238) Matthew 2:13-23 (Pew Bible p. 1026)

Thank you to Pastor Bill Gittner for preaching today. He is retired and a member of Mountainside Lutheran, Linville, NC.

Rev. Dr. David Ludwig will be preaching next Sunday.

Our ChristMass service will be at 7pm on Christmas Eve. Pastor Schroeder will be preaching and presiding over communion. The Varsity Brass will be assisting in worship along with the sanctuary choir, the hand bell choir and instrumentalist from within the congregation. Come early to prepare for worship by listening to the beautiful music and meditate on the holiness of the night. Pastor Schroeder is on SED Staff and a member of Mountainside Lutheran, Linville, NC.

Pastor Arthur Yunker will be preaching our Christmas Day service at 10am. He is a member of Augustana Lutheran, Hickory, NC.

Members in need of healing: Janice Pitts, Sydney Karre, George Deal, Brenda Garcia, Hilda Hefner, Anita Bailes, Horace Isenhower, Jr., Stine Isenhower, Erma Weber.

Friends of congregation in need of healing: Dr. Tom Banks (brother-in-law of George Deal), Jim Hallihan (brother of Dana Biehler), the addicted, Fred Harman (father of Susan Harman).

Blessings to: Aaron Quackenboss and McKenzie Hefner upon the birth of a daughter Bella Rose on December 7th.

Concordia Members in the Military: Eric Galloway, Kendall Hamm, Tony Sherrill, Christopher Walker, Jaylen Joyner, Chandler Christians, Jeremy Christians, Nathan Malin.

Missionary of the Month: Rev. Dr. Thomas & Mary Aadland serves the LCMS as a career missionary in Kenya. Thomas partners with the Evangelical Lutheran Church and teaches at Matongo Lutheran Theological College, Kenya. He also serves as the dean of the theological faculty, preaches in chapel and councils students when requested. Pray that God strengthens him as he teaches. Pray for God’s provision of theological textbooks for the seminary students.

Concordia Ministries: Call Forums, Small Groups, Next Session of F.I.S.H., Call Service.

All of our Concordia Ministry Staff: Samantha Hendershot – Office Manager School, Krystal Freeman – Kindergarten Teacher, Dee Lotsey – 3rd- 5th Grade Teacher Assistant, Lisa Deam Christian – Librarian and Susan Harman – Administrative Assistant.

Just the Facts:

General Fund Offering: $ 16,832 Budget Needs: $ 19,864 Attendance: 296 Online Giving: $ 1,005 Sunday School: $ N/A

Leading Worship Today: 8am Liturgist: Chis Henze / Preaching: Pastor Bill Gittner 9:30am Liturgist: Phil Heath / Preaching: Pastor Bill Gittner / Children’s Message: Mrs. Belinda Bost 11:00am Liturgist: Dave Beringer/ Preaching: Pastor Bill Gittner

Member of the week: Wilma Setzer – 1102 2nd St SE, Conover, NC 28613. Her birthday is Dec. 30th.

The white poinsettias on the altar are given to the Glory of God and in memory of Tom Moser by Pat, Julie, Ginger and Matthew. Please pick up a listing for the red poinsettias that have been placed in memory or honor of loved ones. They can be found in the Welcome Centers and on the bulletin boards.

Connect - Grow - Bridge

ECCCM is always in need of cashiers to work in the store. If you can help, please call Allen Sherrill at 828-464-1702 ext. 116. Concordia’s day to serve is the first Monday of every month.

The Chrismon Tree: Chrismon is a combination of parts to two words, CHRISt and MONogram. A CHRISMON is a monogram of Christ. Early Christians used symbols to tell about God. Jesus used symbols often in his preaching and teaching. Chrismons are made in White and Gold. White refers to our Lord’s purity and perfection. Gold symbolizes his majesty and glory. The evergreen tree symbolizes the eternal life which our Savior has won for us. The lights speak of Him who is the Light of the World. Chrismons proclaim the Name, the Life and the saving Acts of Jesus the Christ. We pray that these trees will give to Concordia and all who visit spiritual enrichment and joy this blessed Christmas season and will speak to us the good news of God’s love, revealed in Jesus Christ and our forgiveness through Him. Concordia’s Fifth Sunday Offering in December will go to the Pregnancy Care Center of Catawba Valley. If you would like a special envelope for your offering, you can pick one up from the welcome centers. The Pregnancy Care Center of Catawba Valley is a 501(c)(3) agency providing free and confidential services to women and men experiencing an unexpected pregnancy. Our trained client advocates and staff provide parenting, adoption, and abortion education. This is a caring environment of trained client advocates and medical professionals. Pregnancy Care Center offers free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound, parenting classes, material assistance, referrals and other programs. The PCC does not provide mammograms, contraception, or onsite STI/STD testing. We do not offer or refer for abortion. The Board of Assimilation along with the Board of Mission & Ministry are having a Chili/Soup Cook-off on Saturday, January 25th, from 5-8pm in the Emmaus Room. Those wishing to participate with an entry please RSVP to the church office. You don’t have to enter the contest to attend - we welcome the congregation to fellowship with other church members and enjoy the food as we begin a new year. There will also be games to play such as Bingo, Aggravation, Rook, UNO, and many others - so come out and enjoy a fun filled evening! Prizes will be awarded for the best chili/soup (1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards) ... besides bragging rights. The school office will be closed December 23rd – 27th, 31st and January 1st. Classes will resume on January 2nd. The church office will be closed December 25th – 27th and January 1st in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Because Christmas Day and New Years’ day holidays fall on Wednesdays this year, the Praise Band will practice today immediately after the 9:30am worship service. They will also practice on December 29th immediately after the 9:30am worship service.

Kids in Worship Fourth Sunday in Advent. Long ago the prophets wrote of God’s promises. A promise to send a Savior. With the writers of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John we tell the good news of Jesus Christ, the child of Bethlehem who came to save us, and is coming again to rule in glory. Today we light the fourth candle on the Advent wreath, the Angel Candle or the Candle of Love. Light one candle for Love. One bright candle for Love. He brings Love to every heart, He comes, He comes! The angels announced the good news of a Savior. God sent his only son to earth to save us, because he loves us! John 3:16

Christmas countdown! Today is # 22 on the Advent coloring calendar. Color

the numbers and countdown to Christmas. Be sure and get your Kids in

Worship bulletin for today from the Ushers or Greeters. You can find crayons

at the Welcome centers.

Gather around the Christ Child. Family Faith Pathway. A nativity scene

is a wonderful reminder that Jesus came to be with us, to be heard

touched and seen. View the nativity scene that is set up in the narthex

of the church. Look at baby Jesus and think about how you can display

Jesus throughout the coming year. How can the light that everyone

followed to find Jesus be a light that shines in your home? How can we

share the hope, peace, joy and love that comes from that light with

others? We pray; Jesus, help me shine for you in what I say and do. Fill

my heart with light and love that comes from you in heaven above.

Epiphany Party! Come join us on January 5th during 10:45 Sunday school #2

for the Children’s Ministry Epiphany party, celebrating the arrival of the

Kings and the 12 days of Christmas. We will gather in Adult room #2.

Belinda Bost, Children’s Minister

Adult Bible Study Opportunities Weekday Small Group Bible Studies:

Mondays: 6:30pm Small Group – Led by Steve Bost - BLCFM.

Wednesdays: 7am Ladies’ Bible Study – Led by Kim Hauser. Adult Room #1

9:30am Bible Study – Led by Carla Hafer – Adult Room #1

10am Bible Study – Led by Vicki Shull - Library – First & Third Wednesday’s

Thursdays: 7am Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study–Parables of Jesus-Led by David Isenhower.

Emmaus Room

Sunday Bible Studies and Sunday School 9:15am – Youth & Children’s Sunday School 9:15am – “That’s in the Bible?!” – Led by Charlie Canrobert & YMT – Youth Central 9:15am - “Angels & Demons” - Emmaus Room

10:45am – Youth & Children’s Sunday School 10:45am – “That’s in the Bible?!” – Led by Chris Henze & YMT – Youth Central 10:45am - Ray Vander Laan video series - Led by Cindy Sigmon - Adult #1 10:45am – “Overcomer” Led by Brian Hefner. This class is for parents of youth – DLL

Prime Timers met last Monday in the Emmaus Room for a potluck luncheon. Our entertainer for the event called Sunday and was sick and could not make it. So, thanks to Clarence and Joyce Pugh, they asked J C Epting to come and play the piano for our sing along. Joyce brought her collection of Christmas art and gave a presentation that was very interesting. Thanks to Clarence, Joyce and J C for a very successful December meeting.

Our January meeting is on January 13th at 11:30 AM for a Potluck Luncheon. After lunch, Dave Beringer will lead us on a tour of Concordia Christian Day School. We will also be planning our actives for the year so write down your ideas of what you would like to do for entertainment.

We wish each and every one a very merry and blessed Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

December 22, 2019

Youth Ministry

Highlights

Youth Group Breakdown

Pre-Teen (5-6 grade) Jr.

Youth (7-8 grade) Sr.

Youth (9-12 grade) Young

Adult (post HS)

Chris Henze

Youth Minister

Sr. Youth - Christmas Family Project:

Our Sr. Youth are assisting 3 needy families this year for Christmas. We meet today

from 12:00-4:00pm in Youth Central. The suggested donation is $10.00 per person for

the family’s gifts. We will eat lunch, shop, wrap and deliver the presents. Come be a

part of this wonderful event of compassion and love!

Thanks to our faithful Sr. Youth Council & Youth Ministry Team:

We met last Sunday and finalized the 2020 January-June Calendar. It will be sent out

to all rostered youth before January 1st!

Thanks Pre-Teen Youth for ringing the bell for The Salvation Army!

Christmas Caroling Ministry!

Thanks to the 32+ people that went Caroling this year. 2 buses made 9 different stops

while ministering to 13 different church homebound members. Thanks to the Board of

M/M for providing over 100 candy bags. Thanks to Doug Brady for driving the new

bus. Thanks to all for providing such a diverse amount of food (and fellowship) for

our Christmas Dinner afterwards! Thanks to our youth for sharing the love of Christ

with our “older & wiser” Concordia members and their guests!

The Youth Quake Retreat Registration $ is due:

The yearly spring retreat geared for our 7-8 grade youth is coming up! This year’s

theme is “MORE” based upon Ephesians 3:20-21, and is being held in High Point,

NC. Registration cost for Concordia includes program, hotel, t-shirt and travel.

FOOD IS EXTRA! We have reduced the cost of the normal registration fee.

Take a look:

NC Quake: March 27-29, 2020

Speaker: DAN SCHARNHORST Musicians: THE JUNKER GEORGES

$50.00 Early Bird Registration is due by Monday, January 6th.

$80.00 Standard Registration is January 7th through February 3rd.

$145.00 Late Registration is February 4th and beyond (if space is available).

Make your check payable to: Concordia ………. In Memo: Youth Quake

Please hand the check to Chris Henze! Sign up in Youth Central!

Sr. Youth Snowbound Weekend!

A new spiritual retreat is planned for January 10-12, 2020. We are staying

at Camp Linn Haven in the lodge. We are going snow tubing in the

evening on Saturday. Join us for food, Bible, prayer, fellowship and

worship! Plan to meet at Youth Central at 5pm on Friday. There will

also be a vehicle going up on Saturday. Bring a friend! The cost is only $50.00!

Join us for Christmas worship:

12/24—7pm for ChristMass

12/25—10am for Christmas Day

Sunday, December 22 8am Worship & Communion – Sanctuary 9:15am Bible Study – EM 9:15 SS#1 – Youth & Children’s Ministry 9:30am Worship & Communion – FLC 10:45am Bible Study – A#1 & DLL 10:45am SS#2 – Youth & Children’s Ministry 11am Praise Team Practice 11am Worship Sanctuary 12pm Sr. Youth Christmas Family Monday, December 23 School Office Closed 6:30pm Board of Christian Ed. 6:30pm Steve Bost - BLCFM Tuesday, December 24 Christmas Eve Church and School Offices Closed 7pm ChristMASS Service & Communion Wednesday, December 25 Christmas Day Church & School Offices Closed 10am Worship & Communion Thursday, December 26 Church & School Offices Closed Friday, December 27 Church & School Offices Closed Sunday, December 29 8am Worship & Communion – Sanctuary 9:15 Bible Study – EM 9:15 SS#1 – Youth & Children’s Ministry 9:30am Worship & Communion – FLC 10:45am SS#2 – Youth & Children’s Ministry 10:45am Adult Bible Study – A#1 & DLL 11am Praise Team Practice 11am Worship & Communion– Sanctuary

This Week at Concordia

Acolytes 12/22/2019: (8:00) Jennifer Montgomery (9:30) Alex Furr (11:00) Avery Beringer, Abby Pruitt Acolytes 12/24/2019: Sean Roth, Jennifer Montgomery Acolytes 12/25/2019: Ellie Adams, Ella Bryan Acolytes 12/29/2019: (8:00) Kade Heath (9:30) Conner Hefner (11:00) Ella Cecil, Sophie Hayes Flowers Sanctuary 12/29/2019: Poinsettias Greeters Today: (8:00) Bill & Pat Smyre (9:30) Donna Grigg, Sandy Von Rentzell (11:00) John & Susan Allison Reader Today: (8:00) Ann Marie Blackmon (9:30) Kathy Unverfehrt (11:00) Karen McClure Fellowship Today: Carmen Isenhower Elders/Communion Assistants: (8:00) David Isenhower, Dale Lawing, Fred Farmer (9:30) Steve Bost, Roy Sigmon, Jimmy Martin (11:00) Harvey Travis Meal Serving: Group 5–Pat Moser & Paula Brown Altar Guild for the month: (8:00 & 11:00) Kyle McClure (9:30) Susan Harman Trustees of the Month: Steve Brewer, Greg Roseman, Brandon Elrod Ushers this month: (8:00) Dexter Warren (11:00) Fred Farmer – Captain, David Hayes, Alan Hefner, Harvey Travis, Charles Canrobert, Ronnie Kaylor, Jr., Ronald Williams 9:30am Set Up & Usher Teams 1st Sunday: Terry Kuchenbecker Team 2nd Sunday: Greg Roseman Team 3rd Sunday: Rodney Burns Team 4th Sunday: Roy Sigmon Team 5th Sunday: Scout Troop 383